Identifying the type of cockroach you’re dealing with is a major step in getting rid of them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five most common types of cockroaches found in the Midwest and beyond. Plus, we’ll give tips on how to prevent an infestation.
Recognizing the Roaches: Why Identification Matters
Different types of roaches behave in different ways, and that matters when it comes to pest control. For example, the German cockroach thrives in kitchens and reproduces rapidly indoors. On the other hand, the Pennsylvania wood cockroach often wanders in from outside. The treatment for one may not work for another.
Let’s take a closer look.
Your Guide to Different Types of Cockroaches
American Cockroach
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The American cockroach is one of the largest roach species commonly found in U.S. homes and buildings. These reddish-brown insects can grow up to two inches long and have a distinctive yellowish band behind their heads. Known for their speed, American cockroaches typically inhabit warm, damp spaces like basements, crawlspaces, sewer drains, and utility rooms. Additionally, they often live outside in warmer climates. Not only are these bugs creepy, they can also contaminate food and surfaces.
To get rid of American cockroaches, it’s crucial to seal up entry points, eliminate moisture sources, and use targeted bait or traps. A professional pest control company, like Plunkett’s, can provide long-term prevention and removal strategies.
The German Cockroach
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The German cockroach is one of the most common—and most troublesome—indoor roach species. Light brown or tan in color with two dark parallel stripes on its back, this small roach measures about half an inch long. It thrives in warm, humid environments like kitchens, bathrooms, and break rooms, where food and moisture are readily available.
German cockroaches reproduce quickly, which means even a few can turn into a full infestation in a matter of weeks. They tend to hide in tight cracks and crevices during the day and emerge at night to feed. Spotting even one or two often indicates a larger problem.
Because of their rapid breeding and ability to develop resistance to over-the-counter treatments, professional intervention is often necessary. Control methods include deep cleaning, sealing entry points, and placing bait stations in active areas.
Brown-Banded Cockroach
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Named for the two light-colored bands that stretch across its wings, the brown-banded cockroach is another small species, roughly the same size as the German cockroach. However, it prefers drier, warmer environments and is often found in living rooms, behind picture frames, inside electronics, or high on walls and ceilings.
Brown-banded cockroaches are less reliant on moisture, which sets them apart from most other cockroach types. While they don’t breed as rapidly as German cockroaches, they can be difficult to control due to their preference for hidden and elevated locations. Unlike German cockroaches, they don’t usually infest kitchens or bathrooms, so bait and insecticides need to be applied strategically in dry, high-activity areas.
Oriental Cockroach
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Dark brown or nearly black in color, the Oriental cockroach is often called a “water bug” due to its strong preference for damp, cool areas. This roach grows to about an inch long and has a glossy appearance. You’re most likely to find Oriental cockroaches in basements, under sinks, near floor drains, or in crawlspaces.
Unlike their faster relatives, Oriental cockroaches are slow-moving and not particularly agile. However, they can still pose a risk by spreading bacteria and triggering allergy symptoms. They don’t survive well in dry conditions, so their presence is often a sign of excess moisture.
To manage Oriental cockroach activity, it’s important to improve ventilation, repair leaks, and dry out infested areas. Targeted perimeter treatments and exclusion methods can help keep them from coming back.
Pennsylvania Wood Cockroach
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The Pennsylvania wood cockroach is primarily an outdoor insect, unlike the others on this list. These chestnut-brown roaches are usually found in woodpiles, tree bark, mulch beds, or other natural materials. Males are larger and fully winged, while females are smaller and wingless.
This species is most active in spring and early summer and may occasionally wander into homes (usually by accident). While their sudden appearance can be startling, they don’t breed indoors or cause infestations like other cockroach species.
The best way to prevent wood roaches from entering your home is to keep firewood stored away from the house and seal any exterior cracks. If you’re seeing them frequently indoors, a professional treatment around the perimeter of your home may help reduce their numbers.
Get Rid of Roaches the Right Way. Call Plunkett’s.
Each cockroach species behaves a little differently, which means your pest treatment plan can’t be one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re spotting cockroaches in the kitchen, basement, or garage, Plunkett’s has a targeted and effective solution. Get in touch today!
